Author: Ian Fleming

2019 Rewind: Chuck Da Fonk

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Chuck Da Fonk

How was 2019 for you?
Chuck Da Fonk: A really great year for FSQ. This was a rebuilding year for us on the DJing front as our brother and FSQ member Sa’d The Hourchild Ali passed away in 2018. On the DJ front, Chas Bronz joined Chuck Da Fonk for appearances as FSQ, proudly carrying the torch for Sa’d Ali. On the production side of FSQ’s activities, we wrapped up recording our full-length album for Soul Clap Records, Reprise Tonight, out in 2020.

Highlights?
Dolette McDonald (of Talking Heads, Sting) joined us for another collaboration. This time we covered the 40-year-old classic by the Talking Heads, “I Zimbra” with Alan Dixon and Soul Clap turning in smashing remixes on that EP.

Lowlights?
A few absolutely smashing productions we turned in wound up on hold for whatever reasons by a few record labels so the slate of FSQ music in 2019 was not as robust as we would have liked it to be. Well, we guess that means more FSQ for 2020!

Song of the year?
For us it has to be Quantic’s “Atlantic Oscillations (Disco Dub).” We wish we made this track! It summarizes what we aim to achieve in our FSQ Caribbean-disco sound.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?
To be organized; continue to plug our network and make new contacts to achieve our goals of FSQ music being heard by more people across the globe; more collaborations with larger artists in dance music and beyond, and more DJ and band appearances beyond the U.S.

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2019 Rewind: Jody Barr

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jody-barr

How was 2019 for you?
Jody Barr: It was filled with both sheer joy and heartache. I did some collaborative projects which will see light in 2020, released with Last Night On Earth, played a life affirming gig and built up some prosperous relationships. One of my aims was getting out to meet and work with other creatives. Stuck in a windowless box room doing music can often end up a hermit occupation.

Highlights?
Playing with Sasha and the Last Night On Earth family in London. It was a heart-warming yet life-affirming gig and solidified that hunger feeling of why I’m still chasing my childhood dream. It was a dream come true.

Lowlights?
I’m never normally a believer in lowlights as my life’s dreadful moments are always changing points but this year was an exception. Undoubtedly, in personal terms there were some very traumatic times with an unexpected family bereavement, shortly followed by the loss of a close childhood friend. It sure was a mentally testing year and one that felt like I was trying to pull myself out of a swamp by my own hair.

Song of the year?
There’s been some amazing music released this year, but I’m going to roll with one that instantly struck my emotive strings: Kollektiv Turmstrasse’s “Ribbon Reef.” The string melody is beautiful. I heard the record a few years back and it’s stuck with me ever since. Thankfully, it’s finally been released.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Stress less and share things that make the world a better place to be in.

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2019 Rewind: Doc Brown

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doc-brown

How was 2019 for you?
Doc Brown: Happy to report it was the best yet! I’ve always said as long as I’m making progress every year, things are going well.

Highlights?
I started the year with a bang, playing the Stereo Productions party aboard the infamous Groove Cruise. I’ve played aboard the Groove Cruise many times but this was my first performance with the Stereo family (after releasing on the label late in 2018) so that was very special for me. In May I played at EDC Las Vegas for my first time, and then last month performed again at the Orlando version. The scale of those events is absolutely insane. I love the energy and festivals always feel like a big industry reunion!

Lowlights?
I had a pretty long streak without a release this year. I raised the standards on the types of labels I wanted to work with, which made signing tracks harder, and I was really beginning to feel a bit restless. It’s always at my lowest point when things seem to fall in to place though – and the second half of 2019 came together nicely, culminating with my new three-track EP out on Vanilla Ace’s WyldCard label. I also signed a new EP to Roger Sanchez’s Undr The Radr, which really goes to show how important it is to keep pushing ahead, even when things look bleak.

Song of the year?
When I think of a song of the year, I think of something that came out early and stayed big all year long. For me, that track was The Deepshakerz’s “Try.” It always got a great reaction.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Try to eat more vegetables and get more exercise! Basic!

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2019 Rewind: Vivian Sessoms

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Vivian Sessoms

How was 2019 for you?
Vivian Sessoms: It was an unusual year but also a great year with a lot of highs points.

Highlights?
Releasing new music at the very end of 2018 (LIFE) and then again in the spring of 2019 (LIFE II). It was music that came from very deep places inside my heart and soul, and that I felt really reflected my view points. I directed my own videos, and was very involved in the editing and the look and feel of the whole process. That was a rewarding experience. It introduced me to filmmaking in a very small way, which was omething I’ve always been interested in.

Lowlights?
Family illness.

Song of the year?
“6 Summers” by Anderson.Paak

What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Start a new YouTube page on fashion, food and design. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while but was never able to find the time. I’m gonna dig in this next year.

No paywalls, free to all. Help us remain 100% independent and unbiased. Please give to Big Shot by making a secure one-time donation to help us continue covering DJ culture and electronic music like we’ve done since 2003.